Le Riad Monceau

Le Riad Monceau would be little more than another perfectly lovely riad hotel, if it weren’t for the creative touch of its owner. Hotelier and artist Isabelle Aubry has a keen eye for Islamic patterns and Moorish textures and exhibits her bold, colorful embroidery works throughout this intimate hotel, pulling together a memorable décor. And while riad hotels are a dime a dozen in Marrakesh, Monceau’s building itself is still no small thing either — a particularly exquisite 18th-century riad, complete with be-palmed central Andalusian courtyard and pool.

The seven guest rooms are sumptuous, particularly the Pasha Suite, with its sunken, positively temple-like hot tub. Many of the rooms are outfitted with a draped netting above the bed which, for particularly romantically minded guests, might inspire dreams of flying carpets and the like. If that doesn’t do the trick, then the additional tile work, Islamic wall friezes, sequined cushions and North African textiles ought to complete the imagery.

The location is central and fairly easy to find, a stone’s throw from the market square at Djemaa el Fna and the majestic Koutoubia Mosque. More than just a kitchen, the restaurant earns high marks, and hosts its own cooking school. And a traditional hammam will give you ample opportunity for relaxation and detoxification — Morocco being one of the few relatively drink-friendly Islamic nations — by way of penetrating heat and massage.